Elantris

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Jack Garrett

Length: 27 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Legendary science fiction author Orson Scott Card calls Brandon Sanderson a writer to watch.

Once the godlike rulers of the capital of Arelon, the inhabitans of Elantris have been imprisoned within themselves, unable to die after the city's magic failed years ago. But when a new prince falls victim to the curse, he refuses to accept his fate.

©2005, 2015 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC. (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

Critic reviews

"...readers won't want to put it down." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Outstanding." ( Publisher's Weekly)

I Had an Eavesdropper

When I began listening to this audiobook on my daily commute to and from my job at a public school, I expected to listen to it alone. To my surprise, I realized my 16-yr-old daughter in the back seat had become very interested.

As my daughter rarely takes the time to listen to my audiobooks, preferring to read something else while my audiobooks play, I was pleased to share this experience with her. There was just one problem: my commute wasn't long enough to satisfy the desire I had to hear more and more of the story!

It's a good thing I had taken advantage of the special deal available to purchase both the Kindle and Audible editions at a reduced price . . .

I charged ahead in the Kindle version, but saved my place in the Audible edition to listen with my daughter. By the time we devoured the final chapters in audio, I had long since finished it on Kindle, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the audio, nonetheless.

I proudly call myself a new Brandon Sanderson fan!

Creative plot, interesting characters. Enjoyable.

the characters stayed with me long after I completed listening to the book. The story was enjoyable and compelling.

Entertaining

Enjoyed the story. I kept wondering how the difficulties the characters were facing could possibly be resolved. Not disappointed.

A Complex Debut

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There's just a few things that I'd change about the book. The amount of information thrown at the reader in the beginning is tremendous. It's overwhelming to a listener. I know the book wasn't written for audio, but I almost want to go back and listen to the first 2 hours to put everything together, now that I understand the story. The pacing at the end being the second. The last 2 hours of this book feels tremendously rushed. There's a TON of events that happen and while I know it builds to a climax, I think that there's too many stories that conclude all at the same time.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I think I would have paced some of the sub-plots more, so that they wouldn't all conclude right near the end of the book. There was a lot happening at once and it was challenging to figure out who's story happened with who and where and why.

What does Jack Garrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I liked his subtle accents for some of the different regions and characters. It wasn't an award winning performance, but it was solid and got the job done. I would listen to another one of his narrations without hesitation. My biggest criticism of him is he reads very slowly.

Do you think Elantris needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, I think Brandon Sanderson told a complete story in this one book. It was a great length and had a beginning, middle and end. I Don't see a need for anything further with these characters.

Any additional comments?

For a first novel, Brandon Sanderson did a great job. He really developed a world in one book that some authors take multiple books for a world to take shape. He had some great villains, interesting protagonists and stories to tell. I think Sarene is an interesting character, but not the best attempt at a strong female lead. She's a strong character, but the author didn't really develop her strengths. It was more of a strong female lead 101.

great

great book I loved it great story imaginary plot you will not see what's coming next

I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This book was recommended to me. It's not the usual genre I listen to, but I really liked it. The characters are good without being over the top. The plot has interesting turns. It kept me interested the whole way through.
The narrator did a great job.

I love the creativity!

This was the first time I couldn't predict the ending. I also loved the way I was transported to Elantris and the surrounding cities through the descriptions.

Great stand alone story

Sanderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I found the story, while a little predictable, thoroughly enjoyable.

Well told

I love the book it gives you hope understanding of people who had hope and faith in each other in the willing to go on and never to give up

18 great hours and 6 that are okay.

This book was good, up until the end. I'm not sure if the author just wanted to wrap it up, if there were space concerns, or if the author just got overly ambitious. But I was left feeling that what could have been a great ending was turned into an okay ending. But that said, the first 18 hours or so are wonderful!